The object of the purchase by a North Carolina syndicate of 50,000 acres of
land near Attalla is to plant a Dutch colony on it. Source: Marion Herald, Marion County AL, June 2, 1887 -
Transcribed by Veneta McKinney

1888

Gadsden is having a big excitement over rabid
dogs.Last week two men were
bitten by a dog supposed to be mad.A license will be charged all dog owners in the city during the summer
months. Source: Vernon Courier, Lamar County AL, June
15, 1888 - Transcribed by Veneta McKinney

Lois Hast, of Gadsden,
rode from that city to Rome, Ga. on
his bicycle, by the dirt road in eight hours, the distance being sixty-three
miles. Source: Marion County Herald, Marion County
AL, June 21, 1888 - Transcribed by Veneta McKinney

A few days ago a man under the influence of liquor drove into
the ferry boat at Gadsden to cross the river, and rove his team
off of the boat into the river.He and his children barely escaped with their lives. The wagon and one
horse went to the bottom. Source: Vernon Courier, Lamar
County AL, June 29, 1888 - Transcribed by Veneta
McKinney

1889

The goldmine
recently discovered near Attala on the property of J J. Lee will be worked
this fall. Source: Marion County Herald, Marion County
AL, July 4, 1889- Transcribed by Veneta McKinney

ETOWAHCOUNTY – One of the Newest and Wealthiest counties
of Alabama

[Attalla Age Herald] – EtowahCounty is the newest county in the state of
Alabama and
with two or three exceptions it is the wealthiest county in the state.The increase in the wealth during the
last five years has been marvelous, and it is thought the proportionate
increase will be as great during the next five years as it has been during the
past five.When Attalla gets the
court house and the mineral resources of EtowahCounty more fully developed, it will be one of the
wealthiest, if not the wealthiest of the sixty six counties in Alabama. Source: Vernon Courier, Lamar County AL, September 26, 1889-
Transcribed by Veneta McKinney

1890

GOGGINS AS AN EATER - [Gadsden Times News] –
Berry Goggins, a young man of Attalla, about 18 years old, weighing 150 pounds
stepped into a restaurant in Attala last Sunday night and called for
supper.The proprietor told him
he would give him as much as he could eat for 25 cents. The young man sat down
and got the worth of his quarter as follows:He ate 12 biscuits, 1 loaf of bread,
12 cups of coffee, 2 ˝ cups of sugar to sweeten coffee, 4 plates tomatoes, 3
plates of hominy and meat in proportion, besides several other dishes, the
names of which our information has forgotten.Berry’s stomach refused to submit to such
treatment, and deposited its contents in the back yard of the restaurant. Our
informant is a reliable gentleman and mentions several other witnesses to this
wonderful feat. Source: Vernon Courier, Lamar County
AL, January 30, 1890 - Transcribed by Veneta
McKinney

A new post office called Crudup has been
established near Gadsden. Source: Vernon
Courier, Lamar County AL, February 6, 1890 - Transcribed by Veneta
McKinney

Contract has been let for a $2,500 MethodistChurch at Gadsden. Source: Vernon
Courier, Lamar County AL, March 27, 1890 - Transcribed by Veneta
McKinney

F. M. Bishop, of near Gadsden, lost his barn by fire on last
week. Source: Marion County Herald, Marion County
AL, March 27, 1890 - Transcribed by Veneta
McKinney

Beginning with Sunday, the Attala Enterprise, a daily paper, will be
published. Source: Vernon Courier, Lamar County AL, May
8, 1890 - Transcribed by Veneta McKinney

The county commissioners of Etowah have selected the plans for their new
court house and will advertise for bids in a few days. Source: Vernon Courier, Lamar County AL, June 12, 1890 -
Transcribed by Veneta McKinney

James. I. Brooks has been elected captain of the Gadsden Etowah
Rifles. Source: Hamilton Times, Marion County
AL, July 17, 1890 - Transcribed by Veneta
McKinney

1891

The gin house of James McClendon, near Attala, was destroyed last night,
and eighty-four bales of cotton with it. Source: Vernon
Courier, Lamar County AL, January 8, 1891- Transcribed by Veneta
McKinney

Gadsden has
passed an ordinance prohibiting the erection of barbed wire fences in the
corporate limits. Source: Vernon Courier, Lamar County
AL, January 8, 1891- Transcribed by Veneta McKinney

The thriving little city of Attalla was destroyed by fire on last week. The
best business houses of the town were burned and the total loss is estimated
at $75,000. Source: Hamilton Times, marion County
AL, September 10, 1891- Transcribed by Veneta
McKinney

At Gadsden J. M. Chadwick was awarded the
contract for the brickwork of the new MethodistChurch, and A. D. Simpson the woodwork,
painting, etc. Source: Vernon Courier, Lamar County
AL, August 13, 1891- Transcribed by Veneta McKinney

At
Gadsden the contract for the new MethodistChurch to be built on the corner of
Chestnut and Fifth Streets has been let to Simpson & Chadwick of that
city.They will begin work in a
few days. Source: Vernon Courier, Lamar County
AL, August 20, 1891- Transcribed by Veneta McKinney

Mr. J. C. Johns is the new rector of the Church of the Holy Comforter at
Gadsden.
Source: Vernon Courier, Lamar County AL, August
27, 1891- Transcribed by Veneta McKinney

GREAT FIRE IN ATTALIA - Attalla, Sept 3 – The most destructive conflagration which ever
occurred in this section of the country visited Attalla last night.One whole block of brick buildings
were destroyed.The fire had its
origin in A. H. DEAN’S store, a two story brick building near the centre of
the block.

Despite all efforts to conquer the mad flames they spread in both
directions.The total loss to the
town is estimated to be $75,000.It was indeed a great calamity, as Attalla was in the zenith of
prosperity. Source: Vernon Courier, Lamar County
AL, September 10, 1891- Transcribed by Veneta
McKinney

Mrs. J. W. Reagan, living four miles below Gadsden, was in Gadsden last week with a stalk of okra eleven
feet and two inches high. She found one seed in a dollar’s worth of Peaberry
coffee she bought last year of Seibert & Ward. Source:
Vernon Courier, Lamar County AL, November 5, 1891- Transcribed by Veneta
McKinney

1892

Uncle Jonathan Sitz, of Gadsden, the aged and demented old man who wandered
off two weeks ago, has not yet been found, although the searching parties have
constantly been hunting for him. It is now feared that he was drowned in
the high waters of Willis Creek. He was 76 years of age. Source: Vernon Courier, Lamar County AL, February 11, 1892 -
Transcribed by Veneta McKinney

Etowah's new court house is to be lighted with incandescent
lights. Source: Vernon Courier, Lamar County AL,
February 25, 1892 - Transcribed by Veneta McKinney

Rev. S. L. Dobbs, of Fort Payne, has been appointed to take charge of the
Methodist Episcopal Church at Gadsden, made vacant by the election of Rev.
Thomas Armstrong to the editorship of the Christian Advocate. Source: Vernon Courier, Lamar County AL, March 3, 1892 - Transcribed by
Veneta McKinney

Dock Miller, colored, has the distinction of being the wealthiest negro in
the Gadsden section. He decided and has entered forty acres of land in
the very heart of East Gadsden, which is estimated to be worth $20,000.
Source: Vernon Courier, Lamar County AL, March 24, 1892 -
Transcribed by Veneta McKinney

The large mill dam at Farrar's in Etowah, county, on the Louisville and
Nashville road, gave way recently, caused by the recent heavy rains.
Source: Vernon Courier, Lamar County AL, April 21, 1892 -
Transcribed by Veneta McKinney

The telephone line between Gadsden and Centre is to be built. Source: Vernon Courier, Lamar County AL, April 21, 1892 - Transcribed
by Veneta McKinney

The attendance at Gadsden's free schools is very good, over 400 having been
enrolled and still growing. Source: Vernon Courier, Lamar
County AL, October 20, 1892 - Transcribed by Veneta McKinney

J. H. Pruitt, of Markton, Etowah County has been granted a
patent on a burglar alarm that is a burglar getter every time. Source: Vernon Courier, Lamar County AL, December 29, 1892 -
Transcribed by Veneta McKinney

The dwelling house and all the contents of John Owen, living near Hokes
Bluff, Etowah county was destroyed by fire last Friday entailing a heavy
loss. Source: Hamilton Times, Marion County
AL, May 4, 1893 - Transcribed by Veneta McKinney

The Etowah county Confederate Veterans organized a camp and named it after
Emma Sanson the brave girl who piloted General Forrest across Black Creek a
the ford just above the falls. Source: Vernon Courier,
Lamar County AL, June 29, 1893 - Transcribed by Veneta
McKinney

1894

W. R. USRY, of EtowahCounty, raised so much corn this year
that he had to build extra cribs to house it in. Source: Hamilton Free Press, Marion County AL, October 11,
1894 - Transcribed by Veneta
McKinney

1895

Gadsden - A coal famine is on in Gadsden, not a ton can be had for love or
money and in consequence the water works company have been unable to pump
water in the reservoir, which is empty and the city is at the mercy of the
fire fiend. One family was found
today that were half starved and nearly frozen to
death. The ground is frozen eight
inches deep. Source: Vernon Courier, Lamar County
AL, February 21, 1895 - Transcribed by Veneta
McKinney

1896

Colonel R. B. Kyle of Gadsden has
begun the erection of a handsome summer home on LookoutMountain, in EtowahCounty.The location is the highest point on
the mountain. Source: Hamilton Appeal, Marion
County AL, May 1, 1896 - Transcribed by Veneta
McKinney

1897

W. M. Meeks has just finished a neat dwelling on the Dixie stock
farm, twelve miles from Gadsden, and will move his family there.
Source: Marion County News, Marion County
AL, January 14, 1897 - Transcribed by Veneta
McKinney

The post office at AlabamaCity has been enlarge and a number of
lock boxes put in. Source: Marion County News,
Marion County AL, January 14, 1897 - Transcribed by Veneta
McKinney

Gadsden has put in a liberal bid
for the NorthAlabamaCollege, so it is said. Source: Marion County News, Marion County AL, January
14, 1897 - Transcribed by Veneta
McKinney

It is now very probable that the JonesCollege near Gadsden will be reopened shortly.A deal has been consummated by which
the property is controlled by the loan companies, and they have several
parties who wish to open up a school here.One of the representatives will be
there soon to take a look at the
property.

The recent rains have havoc with bridges in EtowahCounty.The large iron bridge across Wills
Creek on the Ashville road was completely wrecked and other smaller ones torn
down. Source: Marion County News, Marion County
AL, March 25, 1897 - Transcribed by Veneta McKinney

The merchants of Attalla are raising a big kick because the city dads
have ordered all goods displayed on the sidewalks removed. Source: Marion County News, Marion County AL, March 25,
1897 - Transcribed by Veneta McKinney

Gadsden is to have a new city jail.It will cost $3,500 and will be
completed by September. Source: Guin Gazette, Marion
County AL, April 3, 1897 - Transcribed by Veneta
McKinney

The Walnut Grove telephone line from Gadsden will be taken
down, as every week vandals tear down the posts and pull down the wires. Source: Guin Gazette, Marion County AL, April 3,
1897 - Transcribed by Veneta
McKinney

The County Sunday School Convention of Etowah county will be held the fifth
Sunday in May at Brand’s Chapel. Source: Marion County
News, Marion County AL, May 13, 1897 - Transcribed by Veneta
McKinney

J. F. Pittman, residing near GadsdenAla yesterday
declared that he had just found that his father, M. W. Pittman, whom he
thought had been killed during the war in the Seven Day’s fight of the
Wilderness, was alive and residing at Albany, Ga.
and that he was preaching. Source: Guin Gazette, Marion
County AL, May 28, 1897 - Transcribed by Veneta
McKinney

The city of
Gadsden will
not allow bicycles on the sidewalks. Source: Gazette Appeal, Marion County AL, August
27, 1897 - Transcribed by Veneta
McKinney

The telephone line connecting Gadsden and Ashville has been
completed.

Mayor Robert Campbell of Gadsden announces that the curfew law enacted
several years ago is still in effect and that he intends to see that it is
vigorously enforced. This means that boys must not be found on the streets
after 9 o’clock.If they are they
will be arrested regardless of whom they are - Source: Marion County Democrat, Marion County AL, April 16,
1903 - Transcribed by Veneta
McKinney

NOT A SCRATCH Did He Receive, Although Dragged Forty Feet
and His Horse Injured

Z. V. Bell, the electrician of the car line of the Alabama steel & Iron Co, at Gadsden, had a very
narrow escape from death and eh is still wondering how he is alive.Mr. Zell was riding a horse which he
was trying with a view of purchasing. The horse became unmanageable as soon as
he saw a train and made a break in its direction.Mr. Zell lost control of the animal
and they were struck by the train.Horse and rider were dragged for forty feet or more, the pilot finally
throwing both of them to the side of the track.Mr. Zell got up, and when he found no
bones broken and no scratches he was amazed.The horse had one leg broken.
Source: Marion County Democrat, Marion County
AL, August 27, 1903 - Transcribed by Veneta
McKinney

WORK BEING PUSHED

The work of cutting approaches to the Louisville & Nashville
tunnel at Altoona on the branch road to Attalla is
being pushed rapidly and will probably be finished by Christmas. Two shifts of
seventy-five men each are now employed. The tunnel proper will be started
about January 1 Source: Marion County Democrat, Marion
County AL, October 29, 1903 - Transcribed by Veneta
McKinney

GADSDEN’S NEW POST
OFFICE

Gadsden is very proud of its new post office on
Fourth
Street.Its fixtures and appointments are first class in every particular and
the new quarters will prove very convenient to citizens. Source: Marion County Democrat,
Marion County AL, October 29, 1903 - Transcribed by Veneta
McKinney

The city of Gadsden is building a home for a
superannuated preacher.$765 has
been raised for this purpose and it is announced that it will be completed by
Dec 1st which will be a five-room cottage with bat room and all
modern conveniences.Rev. R. A.
Timmons will occupy the home. Every town in the state should follow Gadsden’s
example. Source: Marion County Democrat, Marion County
AL, October 29, 1903 - Transcribed by Veneta
McKinney

GADSDEN
WANTS NO GAMBLERSGadsden continues her war against the gambling fraternity
and is now apprehensive that a part of Birmingham disposed gentry will
fall to her lot. However, the Time-News states that the editorial "we"
will see that none locate in Etowah's capital city. Slot machines are enough
for awhile, at least. Source: Marion County Democrat, Marion County
AL, November 26, 1903 - Transcribed by Veneta
McKinney

GADSDEN
HOME FOR PREACHERSGadsden is building a home for superannuated preachers
which will probably be ready for occupancy by December 1. This is a
movement that could be followed with advantage by every town in the
state. The average minister of the gospel is poorly enough paid for his
services and, as a rule, old age too often finds him in need of life's
necessities. A great many people have an idea that a preacher has an
easy time, but this is a mistake in most cases. There are drones and idlers in
every walk of life, but few are to be found in the ranks of the
preachers. Source: Marion
County Democrat, Marion County AL, November 26, 1903 - Transcribed
by Veneta McKinney

1908

AWARDED $5,000 DAMAGE

At Gadsden in the case of Pat Heald vs the
Alabama Consolidated, a suit for $15,000 brought by the plaintiff as
administrator of the estate of his brother R. W. Heald, who was killed in the
mines of the defendant company, the jury awarded a judgment in favor of the
plaintiff in the sum of $5,000. Source: Marion
County Republican, Marion County AL, October 14, 1908 - Transcribed by
Veneta McKinney

PICKED SOME COTTON

William Wood who lives near Gadsden reports that four of his children
whose ages range form 8 to 16 years, one day last week picked 1,566 pounds of
cotton in one day from 7 o’clock in the morning until 5:30 in the afternoon and carried their own cotton to be weighed.
This makes an average of 389 pounds each, which is extra good for children of
their age. Source: Marion County Republican,
Marion County AL, October 21, 1908 - Transcribed by Veneta
McKinney

GRASSHOPPER INVASION -

Millions of grasshoppers invade Gadsden and portions of Etowah county this
week, literally covering the city as though they had been swept in from the
great corn prairies of the gold west. A fisherman secured a tow sack full of
grasshoppers for bait right on the plaza in front of the court house. Some
fear is expressed that the grasshoppers have migrated from the west and will
be felt in the agricultural section of the county in the spring.
Source: Marion County Republican, Marion County
AL, October 28, 1908 - Transcribed by Veneta
McKinney

EXPLOSION IN GADSDEN STREWS DEATH AND
RUIN

One man dead, one missing, one dying and four injured are some of the
results of a dynamite explosion at the Hammond mines, seven blocks from the
business section of Gadsden, shortly before 9 o’clock Wednesday night.So terrific was the explosion that
almost every plate glass front in Gadsden is broken and fragments of costly
windows strew the pavements.

Twenty-four miners houses in the vicinity of the place where the
explosion occurred are leveled to the ground and others in the vicinity are
damaged.

C. O Duncan, who has taken the contract for a large
amount of cement sidewalks from Gadsden has set a force of men to work and
will push the improvements as rapidly as possible. The contract calls for some
10,000 square yards of paving, and it will take some weeks to execute
it.